Names

Assalamu alaikum,

This is the largest database I know of for Muslim names:

http://talkislam.com/names/show_names.php?cat_id=17

Just click on "Muslim names" and then type in "warrior" or "soldier" in the "meaning" window.

I changed my name to Yusuf because it was while reading Sura Yusuf that I realized the Qur'an was the Word of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Assalamu alaikum,

"Al" is the definite article; the equivalent of "the" in English. For example, "kabir" means "a great one," while "al kabir" means "the great one".

Generally for a last name you should choose one of the 99 Names of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, and prefix it with "abd," which means "servant." For example, "Musa Abd Al-Hamid" means "Musa, servant of the Most Praiseworthy."

You can find the 99 Names of Allah on the same page I posted above Insha'Allah.

Dear Knowledge01,

Please also visit this link to find out all about the correct way to name yourself:

http://www.islamonline.net/fatwa/english/FatwaDisplay.asp?hF atwaID=32407

or just go to www.islamonline.net and click "ask the scholar" in the right hand column, then click on "search", then type in "changing name" in search window.

If you plan to legally change your name, do think carefully and ensure you have chosen a good name, because once it's done you don't want to have to do it again (changing all your identification is a real hassle, but worth it in the end!).

Peace, ummziba.

One more question for now,

What does the name Bukhari mean?